Modern wrote:Shelvey is the real shame, had a really good season as well. Doubt he could have done more to get in.

He's got a screw loose... but for me you've got to take him or Wilshere. Both risks, but this squad is so devoid of creativity from the middle, and we haven't even got big centre forwards you can use to bypass them.

Having seen him completely bottle even trying to save Arni's goal on Sunday, I also have my doubts about him. I hope we're proved wrong, of course.

Credit has gone to Southgate for not just picking 'the names' (Hart, Wilshire etc) but actually more or less, picking the players in form. This is quite unlike any England manager, previously.Having said that, that looks like a bloody weak midfield & I'm not sure about all of his squad. I'd be seriously dischuffed if I were Shelvey..

somerset-hammer wrote:A lack of a Wilshire, Lallana or a Shelvey in the squad will be an issue, we have'nt really got a player in there who can open up a defence with a pass, or that link between midfield and attack.

Not a bad squad though, refreshing change to previous more obvious selections.

If we are playing a back 5, then there is potential to play Dele deeper, alongside Dier. He can then provide the link to the front 3

I've always thought that the England team somehow contrives to be like West Ham and this one is no different. We'll look great going forward but, there will be a big whole in the centre of the park where the midfield is supposed to be. With the possible exception of Maguire, he's also picked defenders that play for teams where they don't really have to do any defending and can play on the half-way line.

I imagine we'll scrape unconvincing wins against Panama and Tunisia, play for a draw against Belgium and maybe get it, and then get comprehensively thrashed in the first elimination game.